Student Support Services
The following support services are provided centrally by the University of Melbourne. You should also check campus-based information for local resources and information.
- Study difficulties and exam stress
- Coping with disabilities
- Financial difficulties
- Health problems
- Counselling
- Housing assistance
- Employment
- Career Advice
- General Advice
Study difficulties and exam stress
The Language and Learning Skills Unit assists all undergraduate and postgraduate students develop independent learning strategies to:
- study in the Australian university system
- maximize their success through effective study strategies
- organize their time efficiently
- prepare and deliver effective oral presentations
- write essays, reports and theses
- avoid plagiarism and learn how to use appropriate referencing systems
- prepare for assessment tasks and exams
- research effectively and think critically
- develop lifelong learning skills
The LLSU also offers support services for students who need help with English Language skills. This service offers you the opportunity to:
- get help with your English before it becomes a problem
- improve your English skills
- improve your academic results.
Coping with disabilities
The Disability Liaison Unit: seeks to provide assistance to people with a disability to enable them to participate fully in the University environment. Staff in the DLU work with students to identify appropriate accommodations and support requirements to facilitate each students' access to, and participation in their studies. A range of services is offered to prospective and enrolled students who wish to discuss their requirements within the confidential framework of the Unit:
- advice on admissions procedures
- orientation and transition support
- liaison with academic staff (if requested by student)
- organisation of service providers, such as notetakers, sign language interpreters and personal readers
- alternative examination arrangements
Financial difficulties
Whenever genuine financial hardship exists, the University endeavours to assist its students. Student Financial Aid provides advice and information on student loans and bursaries, government student assistance, budgeting, and on a range of other matters related to student finances. Staff can help out with any Youth Allowance / Austudy Payment/ Abstudy problems, and can contact senior Centrelink staff on a student's behalf if necessary. Basic Tax help, and information on the cost of living, is also available. The Financial Aid service is open to all University of Melbourne students (enrolled in undergraduate or postgraduate award courses) for general advice and information. Student Financial Aid staff are sensitive to the frustration and embarrassment caused by financial difficulties. All interviews are strictly confidential. So if a student is having trouble coping with a lack of money, they can make an appointment for an interview with an adviser.
Health problems
The University Health Service is a general practitioner service, but staff have particular skills and interests in contraception; sexual health; injuries from work, sport, or study; allergies and skin disorders; travel health; and mental health issues such as anxiety, depression and eating disorders. There are male and female doctors available, and you may also see a nurse. The University Health Service also refers to outside specialists when necessary. Consultations are strictly confidential. With your permission, medical staff can write certificates and letters for students applying for special consideration or special examinations, provided that they have seen the person during the illness or are aware of the circumstances of the problem. If requested, medical staff can assist in negotiations with academic departments.
Counselling
At the Counselling Service a group of dedicated, diverse and experienced male and female psychologists, social workers and office staff provides a welcoming environment. You can put faces to names on their staff page. The Counselling Service provides services to staff and students of the University of Melbourne, and is also available to provide specialised services to the wider community.
Housing assistance
The Student Housing Services team aims to enhance the Melbourne Experience by assisting students to source and maintain affordable, safe and appropriate accommodation. They also run the Student Housing Access Program (SHAP) whose emphasis is to provide students with 'transitional housing'. To be eligible for this program, students must meet one or more of the target criteria which are listed on their application forms - including newly arrived rural/interstate students and those with severe financial hardship.
Employment
- Subscribe to jobs_careers@unimelb.edu.au
- Get the jump on your job hunting with our free email bulletin jobs_careers@unimelb. It contains the latest information about upcoming career events plus C&E's wide range of services and programs. If you want to know about employer information sessions, career seminars or how we can help you - subscribe to the newsletter now
Career Advice
Careers and Employment is a student careers service for the University of Melbourne. As such their services are open to currently enrolled students, recent graduates (up to one year out), and, in a limited capacity, alumni of the University. Their services for students include:
- a comprehensive Careers Resource Centre
- a range of career development seminar programs
- one-to-one Resumé Review and Careers Counselling appointments
- a weekly email bulletin: jobs_careers@unimelb.edu.au
- co-ordinated recruitment via the graduate (GEP), vacation (VEP) and international (IEP) employment programs
- careers fairs and employer information sessions
- organised work experience including the Industry Consultants: Student Workplace Projects program
- current employment vacancies on-line via Careers Online
They also provide services to employers seeking to recruit University of Melbourne students and graduates, and support to Faculties and Departments of the University of Melbourne.
General Advice
Student Union Advisory Service is able to assist your stay at Melbourne University. No problem is ever too big or too small-they are here to help.
Staff at the Student Union Advisory Service understand the university's internal processes well, and know how to assist you to get the information you need and the best way to resolve academic and personal issues. All consultations are confidential and free.
They are located on the Third Floor of Union House, and are open 9am-5pm daily. Phone 8344 6546, or email suashelp@union.unimelb.edu.au